CAMBODIA’S first root server is expected to increase speeds for domestic internet users by conducting a vital part of internet information flow inside the Kingdom, according to Mekong Net official Meng Leang Keuk.

There are currently 49 F root servers distributed around the globe, of which Cambodia is the owner of the newest, Meng Leang Keuk said.

Mekong Net began operating the server in the last two months and has since encouraged all of Cambodia’s Internet Service Providers to join free of charge, he said.

The hardware was provided by nonprofit internet consortium Asia Pacific Network Information Centre, a bill which he said could total around US$20,000.

A root server operates like a mapping service for internet queries, according to a presentation provided by the firm.

“Most root name servers are in the US, because the internet started in America. Normally when a request is made it goes to the United States if there is no [local] root name server, but it is not a quick response,” he said.

Now that flow of information can take place inside the Kingdom.